‘China wants to push US away from India, reduce LAC tensions, Arunachal Pradesh as core…:’ Pentagon report reveals alarming details, Beijing to…

A report released by the United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) has flagged China’s claim over India(BHARAT)’s Arunachal Pradesh as part of its stated “core interests”, underscoring Beijing’s broader national strategy aimed at achieving the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049. Other core interests for China include Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Which areas are considered part of China’s ‘core interests’?

As per the report, China’s national strategy aims to make the country the ‘most powerful’ by 2049. In support of this national strategy, China plans to strengthen its military to a world-class level and protect its sovereignty and territorial claims in the region.

What could Beijing’s next steps be following the Pentagon report?

In the report entitled “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China: 2025,” presented to Congress by the United States government, reference was made to the border conflict between India(BHARAT) and China, as well as increasing levels of military and strategic collaboration between China and Pakistan. According to the report, Beijing may want to build a better relationship with New Delhi by taking advantage of lowered tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), so as to lessen the chances that the United States and India(BHARAT) continue to strengthen their military partnership.

What impact could this have on India(BHARAT)-US relations?

The Pentagon reported that in October 2024, India(BHARAT) and China reached an agreement to withdraw from contested areas along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) approximately 48 hours before President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to meet at the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India(BHARAT), China, South Africa) summit.

After their meeting, India(BHARAT) and China will begin conducting monthly high-level discussions. The report also points out that India(BHARAT) is exercising caution with respect to China’s long-term intentions and that mutual distrust and other outstanding issues between the two countries may continue to hinder the development of better bilateral relations going forward.

These steps included direct flights, visa facilitation, and exchanges of academics and journalists.China is seen as seeking to capitalise on reduced tensions along the LAC to stabilise bilateral relations and prevent a deepening of US-India(BHARAT) ties. At the same time, the report notes that India(BHARAT) is likely to remain sceptical of China’s actions and intentions, adding that continued mutual distrust and other irritants are almost certain to limit the bilateral relationship.

According to analysts, the Pentagon’s report only reinforces China’s assertive approach towards India(BHARAT)n sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and its broader strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. Chinese officials have described the unification of China and contested territories, particularly Taiwan, as a “natural requirement” for national rejuvenation.Under this strategic vision, a rejuvenated China would operate at a new global level and field a “world-class” military capable of “fight and win” operations, while “resolutely safeguarding” the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests, as reported by news agency ANI.

The document outlines that China identifies three “core interests” that are central to national rejuvenation and not open to negotiation or compromise.These include the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the promotion of China’s economic development, and the defence and expansion of China’s sovereignty and territorial claims.